Want a lighter saw for occasional trimming? The Stihl MS 250 lands in the second spot, as long as you're okay with a step down in displacement for bucking big logs.
This guide compares five Stihl models using real-world owner feedback and factory specs, so you know exactly what you're getting before you hit "buy." It also tells you which buyers should skip a new gas saw entirely.
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, specs, and each product's owner track record, not hands-on lab testing.
The R&L Supply Genuine MS 271 Farm Boss 18 is the top overall pick for most property owners.
Thinking about an electric saw instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
#4
R<op-rated farm workhorse
8.9OUT OF 10
Build Quality9.0
Cutting Power8.8
Ease of Use8.6
Owner Verdict9.1
This is the saw that serious property owners call their “do-it-all” machine. The Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss, sold here as a genuine R&L Supply unit with the model number 1141-200-0681, packs a 50.2cc engine and an 18-inch bar. It earned a perfect 5.0-star average on Amazon from verified buyers who consistently praise its reliability for everything from fence-line clearing to cutting firewood for a season.
It uses Stihl’s 2-MIX engine, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared to a standard two-stroke. The chassis is built with a durable magnesium crankcase that holds up better than the plastic-bodied homeowner saws. Owners also report that the decompression valve makes starting noticeably easier on the pull cord.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. At 12.3 pounds, it's not a lightweight limbing saw, and the 18-inch bar means you'll make two passes on logs over 36 inches. If you mostly prune branches and cut small storm debris, the lighter Stihl MS 211 below is easier to carry around the yard.
⚠Fuel Mix: Use fresh 50:1 premix and store fuel in a sealed container. Stale gas is the top cause of starting issues with these saws.
Pros
- ✓50.2cc engine with 2-MIX technology
- ✓Perfect 5.0 star rating from verified buyers
- ✓Magnesium crankcase for durability
- ✓Decompression valve for easier starting
Cons
- ✕Heavier than homeowner-focused models
- ✕18-inch bar limits one-pass on large timber
- ✕Premium price for the Farm Boss name
Best for: Landowners who need a single saw that can handle years of mixed tasks from firewood to clearing with no surprises.
Stihl: Best Lightweight Option for Casual Homeowners
Stihl: Best Lightweight Option for Casual Homeowners
#5
StihlUltra-light limbing saw
7.9OUT OF 10
Build Quality7.8
Cutting Power7.2
Ease of Use8.5
Owner Verdict8.0
This is the saw to grab when you need to trim branches above your shoulders all afternoon. The Stihl MS 211 (B082KVRCJX) uses a 35.2cc engine with a 16-inch bar, making it the lightest saw in this lineup at around 10.6 pounds. Amazon buyers give it a 4.6-star rating, with many noting how easy it is for a smaller-framed user to handle for extended periods.
Its compact design and low vibration make it ideal for cleanup after storms and for pruning in tight spaces around shrubs and fences. The top-access chain tensioner is simple to adjust, though you do need a tool.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. The smaller engine means it bogs down if you try to bury the bar in hardwood logs over 10 inches thick. It’s a limbing and light-cutting tool, not a firewood workhorse. For those jobs, bump up to the
R&L Supply MS 271 Farm which has double the displacement.
⚠Sizing: At 35.2cc, this is a light-duty saw. If you plan to cut firewood regularly, get a larger model.
Pros
- ✓Lightest at ~10.6 lbs for easy handling
- ✓Low vibration for extended overhead use
- ✓Starts easily with Stihl’s pre-choke system
- ✓Compact for tight spaces and storage
Cons
- ✕Underpowered for large hardwoods
- ✕Only 16-inch bar limits reach
- ✕Requires tool for chain tensioning
Best for: Homeowners with smaller yards who need a lightweight saw for pruning, storm cleanup, and cutting small branches.
Buying Guide: Engine Size, Bar Length, and Build Quality
Choosing the right Stihl chainsaw comes down to three main things: how much power you need, how heavy a saw you can handle, and what you'll be cutting most often. Let's walk through each one.
Engine Displacement: The Power Number That Matters
A Stihl chainsaw's engine size in cubic centimeters (cc) directly tells you how much torque it can deliver. The saws here range from 35.2cc up to 59.0cc. For light trimming and small branches, 35.2cc to 45.4cc is plenty.
For cutting firewood and felling medium trees, 50.2cc to 59.0cc gives you the grunt to power through without bogging down. The R&L Supply Genuine MS 271 Farm sits at 50.2cc, which is the sweet spot for most property owners who want one saw to cover all their tasks.
Bar Length: Matching Your Wood Size
Bar length determines the maximum diameter log you can cut in a single pass. A 16-inch bar handles logs up to about 14 inches thick. An 18-inch bar takes you to around 16 inches.
A 20-inch bar can cut through 18- to 20-inch logs. If you only cut small storm debris, a 16-inch bar is fine. If you're cutting firewood or felling trees, an 18- or 20-inch bar saves you from having to roll the log over for a second cut.
Build Quality: Plastic vs. Magnesium
Entry-level and mid-range Stihl saws (like the MS 250 and MS 211) use a plastic chassis that keeps weight down and cost manageable. Pro-level models (like the MS 271 and MS 311) use a magnesium crankcase that holds up better to rough handling and years of use. If you plan to keep your saw for a decade or more, spending a bit more on a magnesium-bodied model is worth it.
If you only use it a few times a year, plastic is fine.
Who Should NOT Buy a Best All Around Stihl Chainsaw
A gas-powered Stihl chainsaw is the wrong purchase for a few types of buyers. Here's who they are and what to look at instead.
You Need a Saw for Indoor or Noise-Sensitive Areas
Gas chainsaws are loud, produce exhaust fumes, and require fuel mixing and storage. If you're cutting in a neighborhood with strict noise ordinances or need to use the saw in a garage or shed, a battery-powered electric saw is quieter and cleaner. No gas fumes, no mixing, and you can use it right away.
You Cut Less Than Once a Month and Hate Maintenance
Gas engines need regular care: mixing fuel, cleaning the air filter, sharpening the chain, and draining fuel for storage. If your saw sits in the garage for six months and you want to grab it and go, a battery electric model is simpler. No carburetor issues from stale fuel, no pull cord frustration.
You Need a Saw for Professional Logging Every Day
For full-time professional use cutting large timber day in and day out, the homeowner-grade Stihl saws here may not hold up as long as a true pro model like the Stihl MS 461 or MS 881. These saws are built for the demanding schedule of a logger. The Farm Boss and MS 311 are heavy-duty homeowner saws, not professional production tools.
Final Verdict
For most people, the R&L Supply Genuine MS 271 Farm is the best all-around Stihl chainsaw. It has the power for firewood, the durability for years of use, and owner reviews that back it up with a perfect score.
Want a lighter saw for occasional trimming? The Stihl MS 211 is easy on the arms and starts reliably. Need more power for heavy timber?
The Stihl MS 311 with 20-inch bar gives you the torque to handle the biggest logs you'll find.
If you're still unsure, revisit the Who Should NOT Buy section above. Electric saws or professional-grade models may serve you better depending on your situation.
FAQ
What's the best all around stihl chainsaw overall?
The R&L Supply Genuine MS 271 Farm Boss 18-inch is our top pick. Its 50.2cc engine, magnesium build, and perfect owner rating make it the most reliable choice for landowners.
How do I choose between 16-inch and 20-inch bar?
Match your bar to the biggest log you'll cut. A 16-inch bar handles logs up to 14 inches thick. A 20-inch bar cuts up to 20 inches in one pass.
If you cut firewood from larger trees, go 18- or 20-inch.
Are Stihl chainsaws easy to start?
Yes, most modern Stihl models feature a pre-choke throttle latch and a decompression valve that reduce pull cord resistance. The MS 271 and MS 250 are especially known for starting after a few pulls.
What type of fuel do I need for a Stihl chainsaw?
All Stihl chainsaws run on a 50:1 mix of unleaded gasoline and 2-stroke engine oil. Use fresh fuel and mix it in a clean container. Stale fuel is the most common cause of hard starting.
Can I use a Stihl chainsaw for cutting down large trees?
Yes, but choose the right saw. The MS 271 with 18-inch bar can fell trees up to about 16 inches in diameter. For larger trees, the MS 311 with 20-inch bar is more suitable.
Always follow safety guidelines for felling.
How often should I sharpen the chain?
Sharpen the chain after every few hours of use, or immediately if you notice it producing fine sawdust instead of chips. A dull chain is dangerous and puts extra strain on the engine.
